Area posts take part in medicine take-back event

Sunday

Oct 20, 2013 at 1:00 PM

The Hillsdale Daily News

LANSING — The Michigan State Police (MSP) will partner with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and other local law enforcement agencies for National Prescription Drug Take-Back-Day to provide a venue for citizens to dispose of unwanted and unused prescription drugs.The Coldwater Post, 186 E. State Street, Coldwater, and the Jackson Post, 3401 Cooper Street, Jackson are the two closest drop off locations.The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 26 at each of the posts. Both locations will take all medication except liquids, inhalers, patches or syringes. The service is free and anonymous, with no questions asked."Our 29 post across the state will serve as drop-off points allowing citizens a safe and confidential way to dispose of expired, unused and unwanted prescription drugs," said Col. Kriste Kibbey Etue, director of the MSP. "The Michigan State Police is pleased to yet again partner with the DEA to prevent pill abuse and theft by helping residents rid their homes of potentially dangerous prescription drugs."This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue. Medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse and abuse. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs.Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet. In addition, Americans are now advised that their usual methods for disposing of unused medicines — flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash — both pose potential safety and health hazards.